The former MP was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday. The judge said: “You made your victims come to court. They told the truth, and you told a pack of lies – not only to the jury, but your wife, the whips and the police.”
In her sentencing remarks – following a 30-minute adjournment at Southwark Crown Court – Mrs Justice Whipple told former Mr Elphicke the first victim suffered a “terrifying episode”.
Of the two offences against the second victim, the judge said: “This was a campaign of harassment, it required planning to get her alone with you.”
Mr Elphicke confirmed through his spokesman upon sentencing that he is seeking to overturn the conviction.
A statement read: “Two weeks ago, my legal team sought leave to appeal my conviction to the Court of Appeal.
“That application is made on a number of grounds which demonstrate that my trial was unfair and my conviction unsafe.
“I know that I am innocent of any criminal wrongdoing and will continue to fight to clear my name.”
Mr Elphicke’s wife and successor as Dover MP, Natalie Elphicke, said: “I fully support Charlie in his appeal against both his convictions and today’s excessive sentence.
“The court seems to be on a bit of a mission, it entirely ignored the report of a highly experienced probation officer as well as sentencing guidelines.
“There is no doubt that Charlie behaved badly. However, everyone, Charlie included, has the right to a fair trial, and I don’t believe that he has had one.”
He told the judge: “Shortly, Mr Elphicke’s descent into total disgrace will be complete.
“He has lost his wife, his daughter of 20 years is estranged from him as a direct result of his conviction, and his son, aged 13, has received sustained and quite vicious bullying at his school.”
Again, prior to sentencing, one of the victims welcomed Mr Elphicke’s sexual assault convictions, saying: “I feel heard.”
Prosecutor Eloise Marshall QC read a statement from the woman – who said Elphicke chanted “I’m a naughty Tory” moments after the assault.
The statement added: “It took me a long time to get back on my feet (following the assault).”
Concluding with her thoughts on the verdict, the woman said: “I feel heard. Thank you.”
The second victim said in her impact statement: “I still remember how he made me feel, I still know those feelings of fear and helplessness.
“I do believe as a result of what happened it changed how I perceive myself.
“Because of his acts, he stole a large part of my self-worth and self-esteem.”
This is a breaking story…more to follow
